Assam - Arunachal Pradesh Birding Tour
Overview
Your journey to the less explored destination in India to find the bird life of the region.
Why Assam Assam, the land of mystique blue hills and valleys interspersed by hundreds of rivers and wetlands serve as a rare refuge for diverse life forms. The rare biological diversity of this beautiful province of the Indian subcontinent results from the unique conjunction of four different Biomes (Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest, Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forest, Indo-Chinese Tropical Moist Forest and Indo-Gangetic Plain) in one place - Assam. This means that it harbors numerous endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna, which has made this little known area a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. Assam is home to more than half of about 1200 varieties of avifauna recorded in the Indian subcontinent and also provides shelter to 3107 species of flowering plants, 192 species orchids, 185 species of reptiles, 190 species of mammals and hundreds of species of insects & butterflies. Besides its widely visited protected areas, Bird life International has notified about 20 different Important Bird Areas in Assam and several others have already added to the proposed list.
Why Arunachal Pradesh, When it comes to birding, Arunachal Pradesh possesses exceptional richness in avian diversity. Almost every nook & corner of this hill state draws nature lovers from across the globe. A few selected areas are worthy of special mention e.g. Namdapha National Park, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang valley and Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary. Interestingly, the western most parts of the state i.e. Tawang & West Kameng Districts rarely get any attention from the birdwatchers accept for a few serious birders; rather they are visited mostly for their scenic beauty and for their ancient majestic Buddhist monasteries. From the bio-geographic point of view Arunachl has been crisscrossed by Sino-Himalayan Temperate and Sino-Himalayan Subtropical biomes. There are about 25 notified Important Bird Areas in Arunachal Pradesh. West Kameng and Tawang Districts alone boasts hundreds of avian species including many migratory and endangered ones. One can check out the following treks across the region for magnificent birding experiences; they are Zemithang, Sangti Valley, Baily Trails, Tawang area, etc.
This tour has all for you, to experience and collect the beautiful Stories of India. Which you are going to cherish throughout your life.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TOUR
- Multi-altitude birdwatching in Himalayan foothills
- Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
- Birding at Bompu (1960 m) and Eaglenest (2350 m)
- Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
- Birdwatching at Sela Pass (4175 m)
- Best birding guidance and advice
- Birdwatching at Sella
- Maximum birding hours on average
- Trekking inside Nameri National Park with forest guard.
- Great opportunity for bird, nature and landscape photography
Routing Map
Itinerary
Arrive at Guwahati Airport
After collecting the baggage, as you step into the “Meet and Greet Hall”, you will be met by our representative, who will transfer you in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to you Nameri.
Nameri National Park Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, on the banks of the splendid Jia Bhoroli River, Nameri is a patchwork of forest and wetlands. Against a hilly backdrop, across the snow-filled waters of the Jia Bhoroli River, Nameri lies remote, inaccessible and incredibly wild. It is flanked on the west by the Balipara Reserve Forest. The forests of Nameri National Park comprise dense semi-evergreen forests, riverine tracts and moist deciduous forests. Cane and bamboo also grows in the Nameri National Park. You would encounter the most breathtaking variety of wild orchids at Nameri.
As many as 233 plus species of birds have been recorded at Nameri, making it a great place for birdwatchers. The highly endangered White-winged Wood Duck has been spotted in Nameri's riverine forests. The avian diversity includes species such as the Ibisbill, Ruddy Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher and the very rare Green Cochoa and many more in the list.
On Roads sightings: Greater Adjutant stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Black kite, Open Billed Stork, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Common Myna, Jungle Myna, plain Martin, Sand Martin, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Lesser Whistling Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Indian Pond Heron, Little Cormorant, Common Kestrel, Black winged Kite, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Slender billed vulture, Crested Serpent Eagle, Pied Harrier, White breasted Waterhen, Red wattled Lapwing, Spotted Dove, Yellow footed green Pigeon, Rose ringed Parakeet, Asian palm Swift, White throated kingfisher, Common kingfisher, Oriental pied Hornbill, Barbets, Brown Shrike, Black Drongo, Eastern jungle Crow, Red vented Bulbul, Asian pied Starling, Chestnut tailed Starling, Oriental Magpie Robin, House Sparrow, Baya Weaver, Wagtails, Pipits etc.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight & Dinner at hotel
Today after an early breakfast we will proceed to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary ( 110 kms / 04 ½ hrs drive) , enroute stop at Sessa Orchid Sanctuary – an area which is covered with Orchids and it’s been turned into a reserve forest to protect some of the endemic species, after spending sometime here we will proceed.
On reaching closer to the entry of the sanctuary we will first get Lama Camp – named after The Dalai Lama’s visit to the place, here is there is basic accommodation facility which are fixed tents with attach bath next to each tents, we check into our tents and then later if time permits we will do some birding in and around the camp.
Evening at leisure for independent activities
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / Camp
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, one of
India’s top birdwatching hotspots, is located in the West Kameng district of
Arunachal Pradesh. Eaglenest shot into the limelight after the discovery of a
new bird species, the colourful Bugun Liocichla, described in 2006 and named
after the Bugun community that lives in these forests. However, with about 700
species of birds, including the prized Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch and
Wedge-Billed Babbler, there is enough diversity to keep any enthusiast
occupied.
It
starts early after breakfast and the trip is now towards Bompu Camp, located
about 42 km from Lama Camp. Throughout the day you will be watching birds by
walking along the mountain road (luggage, food etc. in the foothold), however,
the car will be used to periodically transport you to the next interesting bird
spotting place. Lunch will be served on the route. You arrive at Bompu Birding
Camp in the late afternoon, where a new team of local residents will arrange
for your accommodation and food.
Overnight
& Dinner at Tent / Camp
Key Species: Kaleej Pheasants, Hill
Partridges, Crimson Woodpecker, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Rusty-fronted
Barwings,New Liocichla, Goulds Shortwing,Rusty-throated Wren Babbler, Spotted
Wren Babbler ,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler. Lesser
and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills.
Full day birding around the radius of the camp.
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / camp
Key Species: Blyths Tragopan Kaleej
Pheasants, Rufous-throated Partridge, Hill Partridge, Red-faced Liocichla,
Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Wards Trogon, Bar-winged
Wren Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Rusty-bellied Shortwing,Lesser
Shortwing,White-tailed Robin, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Fulvetta,
Brown and Fulvous Parrotbill, Maroon-backed Accentor, Rufous-Breasted Accentor.
Full day birding towards
Kheyllong area.
Packed breakfast and lunch
will be provided.
Overnight & Dinner at
Tent / Camp
Key Species: Blyths Tragopan Kaleej
Pheasants, Rufous-throated Partridge, Hill Partridge, Red-faced Liocichla,
Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Wards Trogon, Bar-winged
Wren Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Rusty-bellied Shortwing,Lesser
Shortwing,White-tailed Robin, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Fulvetta,
Brown and Fulvous Parrotbill, Maroon-backed Accentor, Rufous-Breasted Accentor.
Today we will start very
early morning and do birding in and around Bompu and later after an early lunch
we will proceed to Lama Camp – en-route birding to Lama Camp.
Evening check into Tent /
Camp
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / Camp
Key Species: Blyths Tragopan Kaleej Pheasants, Rufous-throated Partridge, Hill
Partridge, Red-faced Liocichla, Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-headed Shrike
Babbler, Wards Trogon, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler,
Rusty-bellied Shortwing,Lesser Shortwing,White-tailed Robin, Golden-breasted
Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Fulvetta, Brown and Fulvous Parrotbill, Alpine
Accentors, Maroon-backed Accentor, Rufous-Breasted Accentor.
Today
after breakfast do some birding and then drive to Dirang (04 hrs drive) reach
Dirang.
Upon
arrival Check In at hotel.
Evening
at leisure for independent activities
Overnight & Dinner at hotel
Key Species: Kaleej Pheasnts, Hill
Partridges,Crimson Woodpecker,Bhutan Laughingthrush,Rusty-fronted Barwings,New
Liocichla, Goulds Shortwing,Rusty-throated Wren Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler
,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler. Lesser and Greater
Rufous-headed Parrotbills.
Early
morning drive to 5th highest motor able road in the World at 13,700 feet, The
Sela Pass (04 hrs drive), we will do bird watching and scan the area for some
key species.
Later
continue drive to Dirang.
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / Camp
Key Species: Himalayan Monal, Scatlers Monal, Blood Pheasants, Grandalas,
White-browed Tit Warbler, Beautiful Rose Finch, Grandala. White-bellied
Redstart.
Today early morning we will drive to Sangti Valley and scan the
area for few species and the most looked after bird of the valley the Black
Necked Crane.
Later we will drive back to Nameri (07 hrs drive).
Upon arrival Check In at Tent / Camp.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / Camp
Today go for a trekking trip inside the national park (only
national park where you can walk with forest arm guard) for 03 hrs.
Return back to Tent / Camp for breakfast.
After breakfast go for a gentle boat ride in rubber dinghies in
Jia Bhoreli River flowing along the national park ( 02 ½ hrs on the river).
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities.
After lunch go for a village walk in nearby villages.
Overnight & Dinner at Tent / Camp
Key Species: White winged wood duck, Ibisbill,Broadbills,Pied
Falconet, Pin-tailed Green and Pompadour Pigeon, Wreathed and Great Hornbill, Dollarbird,
Chestnut-headed and Blue-bearded Bee-eater and Daurian Redstart,
SmallPrantincoles, and various barbets.
Early breakfast
at Tent / Camp
After an early breakfast we will drive to Guwahati airport. En-route we
will stop in Guwahati Dump and watch the Greater Adjutant Stroke – the
endangered species, also Black Eared Kite.
Later continue drive to Guwahati airport to take flight back home with some great STORIES OF INDIA.
END OF THE TOUR